June 7-11, 2021: Wound Care Awareness Week

WHEREAS, according to a report released by Healogics, it is estimated that 6.7 million people currently live with chronic wounds, and that number is expected to grow more than two percent annually for the next decade, because of an aging population and increasing rates of conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and the late effects of radiation therapy; and,

 

WHEREAS, untreated chronic wounds can cause diminished quality of life and possible amputation of the affected limb; and,

 

WHEREAS, the chronic wound epidemic represents a cost of more than $50 billion to the health care system; and,

 

WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 34.2 million Americans have diabetes and approximately 15% of people with diabetes have diabetic foot ulcers. The number of people with diabetes in America is expected to nearly double by 2030; and, 

 

WHEREAS, advanced wound care aims to prevent amputations and heal patients in a faster and more cost-effective way; and,

 

WHEREAS, advanced wound care physicians and health care providers take great pride in caring for their patients and seeing their patients succeed; and,

 

WHEREAS, awareness and education about chronic wounds will benefit current and future chronic wound patients. The goal of Wound Care Awareness Week is to inform patients, their families, community physicians, and the general public about the importance of advanced wound care and its ability to save lives and limbs;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 7-11, 2021, as Wound Care Awareness Week in Michigan.